Distributed Print Job Storage Using IPFS and Blockchain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print job storage systems relying on centralized cloud servers are vulnerable to downtime, leading to user access denial when the server goes offline, and incur additional costs for maintenance and infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a distributed print job storage system using the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) and blockchain technology, where print jobs are stored on multifunction peripherals (MFPs) and assigned unique cryptographic hashes, with blockchain verifying ownership and managing transactions, ensuring decentralized and immutable data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized cloud server is used for print job storage, then user access and management is simplified, but system reliability deteriorates when the server becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized cloud server storage into distributed storage across multiple MFP devices. Each MFP stores portions of print jobs locally, eliminating the single point of failure. The system divides the storage function from the processing function, allowing users to access print jobs through any MFP in the network rather than requiring a specific central server.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blockchain as an intermediary layer that manages the distributed storage system. The blockchain stores metadata and routing information that enables users to locate and access print jobs across the distributed network of MFPs without requiring a centralized server. This intermediary layer maintains system coordination while enabling decentralization.
2Device complexity
If a centralized cloud server is used for print job storage, then data management is centralized and simple, but additional costs for maintenance and infrastructure are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the blockchain's automated consensus mechanisms and smart contracts. The distributed ledger automatically manages print job metadata, ownership verification, and routing information without requiring manual intervention or dedicated server maintenance. The MFP devices autonomously participate in the distributed storage network, managing their own storage resources and contributing to system maintenance collectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes MFP devices multi-functional by enabling them to serve both as print processing devices and as storage nodes in the distributed network. Each MFP can store, retrieve, and manage print jobs while maintaining its primary printing functions. This eliminates the need for dedicated cloud server infrastructure, as existing MFP hardware is utilized for storage purposes.
3Reliability
If distributed storage across MFPs is implemented, then system reliability and accessibility are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blockchain acts as an intermediary that abstracts the complexity of distributed storage from users. While the underlying system architecture is distributed across multiple MFPs, the blockchain provides a unified interface for metadata management, job tracking, and access coordination. Users interact with the system through familiar print queues and interfaces without needing to understand the distributed storage mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through the blockchain's consensus protocol and smart contracts that automatically monitor and coordinate the distributed MFP network. Each MFP provides feedback about its storage capacity, job status, and availability to the blockchain, which then automatically routes print jobs to appropriate devices and manages load balancing without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for distributed storage and release of print jobs with a networked fleet of multifunction peripherals (MFSs) employs the Interplanetary File System (IPFS) for document storage with document metadata and document transactions stored on a blockchain housed on nodes formed by the multifunction peripherals. A user sends a print job to the network via a print driver on their local device. The print job is stored in the IPFS by the print driver, and the metadata and document transactions are hashed and stored to the blockchain which is managed by MFP consensus. The print job may be accessed via its content at any MFP for release and printing. Access and printing information is also added to the blockchain.